by Anita Bijsterbosch

Pub Date 29 Jun 2021

This picture book for the youngest children has the most adorable and appealing illustrations. Many titles have been published for young children in which they can learn the names of objects; in my opinion this is one of the cutest. Each two page spread features many things to name and find. For example, children are invited to see things in the bedroom, the kitchen, in the garden and more. They are also invited to look at animals and vehicles. Think about purchasing this one for a young child that you know; you will both enjoy it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

by Jane Harper

Jane Harper has now written four novels. This is the one that set her on her successful path.

The Dry is an atmospheric story with characters that readers will get to know well. The story centers on deaths in both the present and past, moving between the two.

Protagonist Aaron Falk left his small town many years ago for reasons that readers will learn. He returns for the funeral of his best friend whose death occurred under troubling circumstances. In addition to Luke’s death, his wife and son have been murdered, only leaving behind a baby. Is this tragedy related to something that happened when Aaron and Luke were teens? What happened to one of their tight knit group in those days?

In addition to creating memorable characters, Ms. Harper creates a very real place. It is one where drought reigns and life is difficult. So, there are difficult times for people and the land.

I highly recommend Ms. Harper’s novels. Readers of mystery/suspense titles should give this one a look.

Note that this book has recently been made into a movie.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Gibran is free.

The Grace Kelly Dress A Novel by Brenda Janowitz

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsNovember 22, 2019

The Grace Kelly dress is, of course, inspired by the beautiful wedding gown that Grace Kelly wore although this story is not about Grace Kelly. Rather, it is about three women and one wedding dress that was inspired by the one worn by Princess Grace.

Rose’s story begins in the 1950s in Paris. Rosee is an orphan who works in an atelier as a seamstress. The very talented Rose makes a wedding dress for the lovely Diana and, while doing so, they become friends despite the class barriers. Rose is attracted to Diana’s brother Robert but he is engaged to someone else. What will happen?

In the 80s, Joan seems to have the perfect, if conventional and guarded life. She is engaged to someone who is perfect on paper but…is he the right one for her? What is the story of her sibling who died?

Unconventional Rocky, Joan’s daughter, is conflicted about wearing her mother’s wedding dress although not about her fiancee. Can she make it into something that makes sense for her?

Around these primary characters, there are many others whose stories are also told. The emotions, mistakes, regrets and decisions that these characters make form the basis of the novel as each makes the dress her own.

The Grace Kelly Dress is women’s fiction with conflict and fairy tale. Try it on for size if you would like a light read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

If you love Jenny Colgan: The Bookshop on the Shore

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJune 22, 2019

This book is related to the author’s earlier novel, The Bookshop on the Corner.  Some characters from that book are present as is the book van book shop, which I love.

While I enjoyed The Bookshop on the Corner, I did not find this novel to be nearly as good.  The premise is there; young mom with a mute child wants to find a new life.  So, Zoe moves to Scotland to work with Nina, the protagonist of the earlier title.  Zoe’s trials caring for three children plus her own and her experiences on the book van are central to the plot.  Of course, there is also a romance. In addition, readers who enjoyed Nina from the last book, will get to see how her pregnancy goes.  There just might be a surprise!

This book may be best for true lovers of this author.  I found it to be a bit slow and surprisingly, for the first time, I did not find myself fully enjoying a book by this author.

I will still read Jenny Colgan’s novels in the future.  I hope that the next one will be as good as I know that she can be.  Let me know what you think if you read this one.  I am interested to know.

Rosamunde Pilcher writes wonderful women’s fiction/sagas. Kate Ellis has written a good mystery series with each being set partly in the present and partly in the past.

The Poe is free.

The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsFebruary 27, 2020

The Book Charmer is certain to tick all of the boxes for those who enjoy women’s fiction with a bit of heft. The story takes place in Dove Pond, a small town in North Carolina that has some charming shops and charming people. The Book Charmer herself is Sarah Dove. Books speak to her and have ever since she was little. Books let her know who should read them; although it may not initially make sense to the recipient, over time it will.

To this community come Grace, Mama G and Daisy. They all have back stories that are explored. Grace was a foster child, Mama G cared for her and Daisy is the child of Grace’s deceased sister. Mama G suffers from Alzheimer’s; the book shows some of her struggles and the sadness and difficulties for those who are affected by it.

Also living in Dove Pond is Travis who has his own ghosts and troubles. He is a war veteran who is trying to move on with his life. There are other characters for the reader to meet as well. Their stories intersect over the course of the story.

I enjoyed this title with its mix of a little magical realism, realism, love stories, friendships and time spent with characters whom I enjoyed knowing. If there were a real Dove Pond, I would surely love to visit there.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This novel has received a good deal of attention, including being selected for Reese Witherspoon’s book club.  It is the story of Laurie and Jack, their friends and families.  It is a story of a romance that may or may not go to a happy ending.  It is definitely one in which the course of true love “never did  run smooth.”  If you enjoy light, romantic fiction you might want to join the many who have read this title.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-galley.  The opinions are my own.#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick “Get ready to be swept up in a whirlwind romance. It absolutely charmed me.” —Reese Witherspoon

“Josie Silver writes with a warmth so palpable her characters sneak their way into your heart and stay for a long time.”—Jill Santopolo, New York Times-bestselling author of The Light We Lost #OneDayInDecember #NetGalley

Are you a person who finds getting on an airplane to be an adventure or are you a nervous flyer? Either personality type may well be riveted by this thriller in which much of the action centers on a long haul flight from London to Sydney (20 hours in the air!). In some ways, the story is a take on a locked room mystery in that much of the action is confined to the plane and the stories of its passengers and crew. However, there is also backstory so some time is spent on the ground and with other characters.

The book’s protagonist, Mina, is on the flight when…a note is given to her. What does it say? How will it influence what she does? In order for there not to be spoilers, it is not possible to say more except that this is a story that may well put readers on the edges of their seats.

My only quibble with this story is that I did not absolutely love some of the characters. I do, though, admire Ms. Mackinstosh’s imagination and storytelling ability. Readers, remember that this is fiction!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.